They threatened staff with BB-type pellet guns and escaped with valuables.

But one of the men was arrested at the scene after being restrained by passers-by.

A bag containing a large number of watches was recovered.

Detective Chief Inspector Lisa Atkinson, Head of Leeds District Reactive CID, said: “As a result of that initial arrest we began some real-time enquiries that led us to a hotel in Manchester city centre where two other men were arrested last night.

“All three men are currently in custody in connection with the robbery. The men are from Eastern Europe and we are currently conducting enquiries to confirm their identities.

“This was clearly a very shocking incident to take place during the day in the city centre and we would again like to recognise the bravery and public-spiritedness of those members of the public who intervened and detained one of the suspects.

“Our enquiries into this offence are continuing and we would still like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, saw any of the suspects leaving the scene or who has any information that could assist the investigation.”